
Korean War Origins, 1945-1950
This collection of primary source documents sheds light on the question of "who started the Korean War?" For more coverage of the Korean War on the Digital Archive, see the collections: Korean War, 1950-1953; Korean War Armistice; China and the Korean War; and Korean War Biological Warfare Allegations. For a collections resource guide see The Korean War: Collections & Resources on DigitalArchive.org. (Image: Anti-Trusteeship Campaign. December 1945.)
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October 12, 1947
Incoming Cable No. 16, Malik to Cde. Stalin
Stalin agrees to Malik's proposal regarding the situation in Korea, which calls for the creation of an All-Korean Temporary Assembly to resolve the peninsula's issues. The Soviet representative is to insist to the Americans that such a consultative body be established.
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October 18, 1947
Ciphered Telegram, Molotov to Cde. Stalin
Molotov reports his answers to several questions from Vyshinsky: he advises not to be so contentious with Marshall on private questions. On the Korean issues, Vyshinsky should remind the Americans about the terms of the December agreements calling for a united, democratic Korea and that Marshall's new proposals at the UN constitute a violation of these agreements. He approves Vyshinsky's position on the veto and the peace and security committee.
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October 20, 1947
Ciphered Telegram, Molotov to Cde. Stalin
Molotov relates how the Americans have rejected the Soviet position toward establishing a temporary all Korean assembly. While there is some overlap between both positions, this issue has now been exacerbated by Marshall's move to decide it in the UNGA. The Soviets should respond to this move by reiterating their commitment to a self-determined form of government for Korea, which requires the Soviets and Americans to withdraw their troops.
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October 23, 1947
Draft of Telegram to Vyshinsky on the Korean Question
Vyshinsky is instructed that, because the Korean issue is already on the UNSC agenda, it should remain there. Vyshinsky should stake out a position that both American and Soviet troops withdraw simultaneously, allowing the Koreans to develop a unified government. Elected representatives from both Koreas should be invited to discussions. A time span for the troop withdrawals must be set. The draft includes some scrawled recommendations from Stalin.
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October 29, 1947
Telegram No. 293, V. Molotov to Cde. Stalin
Molotov writes that Vyshinsky must insist on the Koreans being invited to any discussion on removing foreign troops from Korea. If opposition to such participation holds, the Soviets should abstain from voting on the matter out of principle.
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July 12, 1948
Memo of the Directorate for Foreign Relations of the USSR Armed Forces General Staff about the Results of a Conference of Leaders of the Political Parties and Organizations of North and South Korea
The statement describes the conference which took place in Pyongyang from June 29 to July 5. The main goal of the conference was to discuss the separate elections held in South Korea and possibilities for the unification of Korea. The North Korean representatives considered the National Assembly formed in South Korea to be illegitimate and urged for the expulsion of foreign powers in order to achieve a unified Korea.
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March, 1949
Soviet-Korean Protocol about Temporarily Leaving Soviet Navy Subunits in the Port of Chongjin
List of agreements between the two governments that state that the USSR will leave some of their navy forces in the port of Chongjin, and that the DPRK will provide the necessary housing and facilities for the troops. Troops will be excused from customs and those working for the troops can move across borders with documents decided by both the USSR and DPRK.
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March 05, 1949
Notes of the Conversation between Comrade I.V. Stalin and a Governmental Delegation from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea headed by Kim Il Sung
Kim Il Sung and Stalin discuss the military and economy in North Korea, Soviet-North Korean relations, and North Korea's relations with other foreign countries.
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March 17, 1949
Agreement between the Government of the USSR and the Government of the DPRK regarding Extending a Loan by the Soviet Union to the Government of the DPRK to Pay for Equipment and Materials as Well as the Military Property Supplied to Korea
Agreement between the government of the Soviet Union and the government of the DPRK to grant the Republic of Korea a loan to pay for the supplied equipment and materials, as well as military equipment.